Preventing Civil War in South Sudan

Introduction

Ben Curtis/Associated Press Displaced people who have fled the recent fighting between government and rebel forces in South Sudan.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, was formed in 2011 after more than 20 years of brutal civil war. The international community, especially the United States, was instrumental in the peace agreement that ultimately led to South Sudan’s independence. But since violence escalated last month because of tribal-infused political tensions, the rest of the world has been mostly hands-off.

Given the critical role the United States and other foreign entities played in the creation of South Sudan, what is their responsibility as the region faces another civil war?